Aloha Jill Shalvis and ALWAYS ON MY MIND

Jill Shalvis is celebrating the release of ALWAYS ON MY MIND - Book Eight in her Lucky Harbor series.   To keep the party going, let's play Eight Degrees of Separation.

1.  ALWAYS ON MY MIND is an enduring country song that was first recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972.   

2.  Brenda Lee is references in Golden Earring's 1973 hit RADAR LOVE, "Radio's playing some forgotten song, Brenda Lee's COMING ON STRONG."

3.  RADAR LOVE is featured in a video of training exercises for the Oregon Air National Guard.

4.  The Oregon Air National Guard's motto is WHEN WE ARE NEEDED, WE ARE THERE.

5.  I know from my time in the Air Force that aircrews relied upon firefighters to keep them safe upon landing, knowing that they are there when they are needed.

6.  Jill Shalvis writes sexy heroes in public service throughout her LUCKY HARBOR series, including Jack Harper - a local firefighter who flips pancakes for a charity breakfast.  

7.  Jack flips more than pancakes when he looks at his best friend, Leah Sullivan.  In fact, he causes her heart to flip flop.

8.  Although Leah flopped on reality cooking show, she finds redemption in Lucky Harbor and romance with Jack in ALWAYS ON MY MIND.

There’s nothing like the real thing.

After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack’s ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib – that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle…

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine – perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their “just friends” rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jill Shalvis is the award winning author of over four dozen romance novels, including her sexy contemporary and award winning Lucky Harbor series (FOREVER AND A DAY was one of Amazon’s Top Romances for 2012). She won a Rita for SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE and is a 3-time National Readers Choice winner as well. Make sure to click on the blog button above for her daily blog where she recounts her Misplaced City Girl adventures.

To learn more about Jill, check out her website at jillshalvis.com - it offers an excerpt for ALWAYS ON MY MIND.

Forever is sponsoring a fabulous giveaway.   Please leave a comment about firefighters ... do you know any?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekly Winners and Baltimore Book Festival

I am a winner for attending the Baltimore Book Festival - I posted the first set of pictures on my travel blog at this link.

We have winners at SOS Aloha:

Kathyrn Falk Recommends (part 1): SALINGER and THE STORY OF FILM: AN ODYSSEY
- Debby wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Lily Dalton's NEVER DESIRE A DUKE

- Karen wins a "holiday treat".

Lora Leigh's RAW

- Johanna wins swag from the convention.

RT Convention Virgins and SOS Military Mixer

- Elizabeth H wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Shana Galen's TRUE SPIES

- Alba wins a print copy from Sourcebooks.

Winners - please claim your prizes by sending your mailing address to sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

PS I have a prize for everyone ... a sneak peak at Chief Jaco who will be Lindsay McKenna's guest at the RT Booklovers' Convention.  Chief Jaco will participate in several panels about  Navy SEALS ... and be the guest speaker at the SOS Miitary Mixer (link and link).   Mahalo, Lindsay, for the photo!

Celebrate Little Victories - H50 Season Four Premiere

Hawaiian Blessing for Season Four
cbs.com

As I watch the leaves turn color (and the temperature drops) I have a small ache in my heart for Hawaii.   The best salve came Friday night with the H50 Season Four Premiere.   It delivered non stop thrills, bromance humor, and suspend-belief-moments. It also offered beautiful shots of Bellows Beach, Aloha Stadium, and Steve-the-Navy-SEAL in action.

How can I sustain this Aloha Spirit?

1.   Chat with Navy Vets Diana Cosby and Geri Krotow at the Baltimore Book Festival (link)

Saturday, September 28, Mt Vernon Square, Maryland Romance Writers Stage:

2pm SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER ROMANCE

Terri Brisbin, Diana Cosby, Eliza Knight, Kate Poole

3pm WRITING MILITARY ROMANCE

Robin Covington, Laura Kaye, Geri Krotow, Elisabeth Staab

4pm CRAFT: PLOTTING VS. PANTSING, OR HOW TO COME UP WITH YOUR STORY

Christi Barth, Terri Brisbin, Diana Cosby, Joya Fields, Andrew Grey, Lea Nolan

Geri Krotow

2.   Chat with Navy Vets Diana Cosby and Cathy Maxwell at the NJRW "Put Your Heart in a Book" Conference (link)

Saturday, October 19

8 am:  Breakfast with keynote speaker Diana Cosby

11:15 am:  Cathy Maxwell, "Empowering the Writer within You"

4:00 pm:  Literacy Book Fair

Cathy Maxwell

3.  These veterans-turned-writers will tide me over 'til I can meet (again) Navy Vet Lindsay McKenna at the RT Booklovers' Convention in New Orleans.   She is hosting Navy SEAL Chief Jaco for several events, including the SOS Military Mixer:

The original military romance author, Lindsay McKenna, is bringing retired US Navy SEAL Chief Michael Jaco, who was part of SEAL Team Six. Jaco will be our keynote speaker at his memorable event.

Hawaiian monk seal on the Marine Corps' beach

4.  Meanwhile, I'll drink Hawaiian Fruit Tea to sustain me for the upcoming cold weather.

Did you enjoy any TV shows (new or returning) during this week of Season Premieres?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out new pictures of Kauai (from Linda) on my travel blog, ALOHA ON MY MIND, at this link.

Aloha to Shana Galen and TRUE SPIES

Shana Galen is a busy writer, delivering two historical series to her faithful fans!  She joins me today for a cozy chat to celebrate the release of TRUE SPIES, Book 2 in her Lord and Lady Spy series ...

Kim:  I am sorry that I could not attend RT in Kansas City this year ... but you did!   What did you learn from your fans?    

Shana:   I missed you, too! I don’t think I saw you at RT or RWA this year. I hope you’re coming to RT in NOLA. I think RT just reminded me that my readers are fabulous. They’re really fun to hang around with and go all fangirl about favorite authors like Julie Garwood just like I do. Readers also told me they can’t wait for TRUE SPIES, so I hope I don’t disappoint.

Shana at RT/2012 in Chicago.

Kim:  I am also sorry that I could not attend RWA in Atlanta ... but you didn't.  What did you learn from your fellow authors?

Shana:  The fun thing about RWA is seeing all my author friends. I had breakfast with the girls from the Jaunty Quills, and we laughed and joked and even dis a little bit of planning for the blog. I also met with some authors to plan a short story anthology we’ll put out in October. It can be fun, after years of working alone, to collaborate with authors you like to read.

Shana volunteered at RWA/12 in LA.

Kim:  You contribute to two blogs - The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills and Peanut Butter on the Keyboard. What at the rewards and challenges of being a member of both blogs?

Shana:  Actually, I contribute to three blogs because I’m also a member of the Casablanca Authors blog. The JQs and the PBKMoms are very different blogs. At the PBKMoms, we just blog when we have time, and we blog about stuff that might not be appropriate for a blog like the Jaunty Quills.  Most of our posts have little to do with writing and a lot to do with topics moms and grandmothers and even women in general find relevant. PBKMoms came out of the fact that we were all emailing each other for advice anyway, so why not make the conversation public? We’re excited we have some regular readers. The Jaunty Quills is more a place for readers to come and learn about books, writing, Mia Marlowe’s fabulous travels, Kristan Higgins’s funny stories, and so on. Behind the scenes, the JQs are much more business-oriented in that we want to make sure we have something new for readers every day.

Kim:  I am excited to review TRUE SPIES - tell us about it and what inspired it.

Shana:  TRUE SPIES came about because readers asked for more after LORD AND LADY SPY. That was supposed to be a stand-alone book, but I might have ended in such a way as to encourage readers to want another book. They did, and not only am I releasing TRUE SPIES, but there’s another LORD AND LADY SPY book coming in 2014 (LOVE AND LET SPY). Plus, Blue got a novella, THE SPY WORE BLUE, which went on sale in August.

TRUE SPIES is a nod at the film True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. Like in LORD AND LADY SPY, TRUE SPIES is about an estranged married couple. They are trying to save their marriage as well as England and the royal family from a madman and his nefarious plots.

Kim:  What's next for Shana Galen?

Shana:  The last book in the Jewels of the Ton series will be out in March. It’s Lily’s story and titled SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND. Thanks so much for having me back!

TRUE SPIES BY SHANA GALEN- 

IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2014

He's Getting Tired of Deception...

Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him and his wife has given up on him...

She Wants to Try a Little Intrigue...

Lady Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive—quite the jealous type—and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shana Galen is the author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the Lord and Lady Spy Series, the Jewels of the Ton Series, as well as the Sons of the Revolution Trilogy. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time, and is working on more regency romance novels! She’s happily married to the Ultimate Sportsfan and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

To Purchase True Spies:
Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-a-Million

IndieBound

Chapters/Indigo

iBookstore

Sourcebooks

I posted my five star review of TRUE SPIES on Amazon (link) and Goodreads (link).  Sourcebooks is giving away a print copy of TRUE SPIES to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment - do you have a favorite "spy" movie?  

2.  Sourcebooks' giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 28, 10 pm in Baltimore.   I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 29.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to RT Convention Virgins and SOS Military Mixer

I just received the November issue of RT Book Reviews by way of Hawaii - Ohio (inlaws) - Maryland.    In her monthly column, Kathryn Falk gives readers a sneak peak at special events for the RT Booklovers' Convention, May 14-18, 2014, in New Orleans:

More stars are signing up for the Book Fair.  If you love Suzanne Brockmann's books, this is your opportunity to make her acquaintance.  Air Force veteran and military spouse Kim Lowe is planning a fabulous Sunday, May 18,  SOS morning party.  We will invite all military authors to appear on a panel and we also invite anyone in the military, military spouse and readers of the military romance to join us.  The original military romance author, Lindsay McKenna, is bringing retired US Navy SEAL Chief Michael Jaco, who was part of SEAL Team Six.  Jaco will be our keynote speaker at his memorable event.  Be sure not to miss Sunday morning!

Kathryn also noted that she and Kelli Salkin are working on a convention manual for RT Virgins.  Kathryn asked me to submit my thoughts ... and I share them with you today!

I am one lucky reader with Nalini Singh and Julie James.

Three Bs to a fun filled RT Convention ...

I attended my first convention in Daytona Beach/2006.   As a reader-new-to-romance, I embraced the opportunity to jump right into the convention.   So I deployed my "boot camp" training ...

1.  Be Friendly.  I knew no one before the convention .... and I came home with several friends.  I struck up a conversation with other readers in line, at tables, and even at a piano.   On my way to an evening party, I spotted a cover model playing the piano in the foyer.   We chatted about his music ...  the piano player is Mark Johnson, Mr Romance 1996!   I love seeing his smiling face each year at RT!

While standing in line for the book fair, I chatted with a woman from St. Louis ... Mary Gramlich, the Reading Reviewer (link). Since then, we have roomed together at several conventions, encouraged each other to start our own blogs, and shared publisher info with the other.  SOS Aloha would not be what it is today if I had not chatted with Mary in line!

The convention now offers the RT Virgin Workshop - this gives newbies the chance to meet each other.   Use this opportunity to schedule a time to meet for coffee, stand in line, and/or help each other dress for the fabulous parties!

Can you guess who are these historical authors?

2.  Be Flexible.  In 2006, I was so awestruck that I often dawdled over the promo material ... and arrived last to the reader parties.   When I discovered the room was packed, I pulled out the schedule and looked for other panels.  I still remember the Romantic Suspense workshop with Allison Brennan, Brenda Novak, Patricia Potter, and Christina Skye.  I won a book from Patricia .... and scored a chat with Christina.   That chat meant more to me than any prize from the readers' parties.

The convention offers a wide range of interactive events - take advantage of them!

Christina Skye, Brenda Jackson, and Robyn Carr

3. Be Free.  Come meet the SOS America volunteers at our information table in Club RT.   We are giving away US Flag pins to readers and "veteran" stickers to those who served.   If you don't have a partner for the larger events, you can join us in line ... I'll be sure to introduce you to the authors I know! And, of course, mark your schedule for the SOS Military Mixer on Sunday, May 18, 9 am - 11 am - all are welcome.   The schedule includes open fellowship, posting the colors, the National Anthem, each service's anthem, Chief Jaco as our guest speaker, sharing stories from military families, retiring the colors, and closing fellowship.   We'll have goody bags for all military families.

Veterans post with Steely McBeam at RT/2008 in Pittsburgh

Do you have a helpful hint or convention story to share?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.   Comments are open through Saturday, October 5, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on  Sunday, October 6.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about RT's magazine and convention, check out its website at rtbookreviews.com. 

Only at RT will you see Cathy Maxwell wear an elephant's nose ...
with Eileen Dryer and Patricia Rice.

Aloha to Lora Leigh's RAW

Last weekend, I drove over to Hagerstown for Lora Leigh's Reader Appreciation Weekend (RAW).   Attending authors included (link),

Lora Leigh                                 C.H. Admirand
Dana Marie Bell                        Shayla Black
Monica Burns                            Mari Carr
Veronica Chadwick                  Bianca D'Arc
Sylvia Day                                 Jacquelyn Frank
Yasmine Galenorn                    Darynda Jones
Stephanie Julian                      Sahara Kelly
Angela Knight                           Isabella LaPearl
Gennita Low                             Amanda McIntyre
Marla Monroe                           Sophie Oak aka Lexi Blake
Ranae Rose                               Carrie Ann Ryan
Jayne Rylon                              Beth Williamson
Mary Wine

Bianca D'Arc brought the supplies for Badges with Bling ... I thought hers was best decorated! 

Attendees dug deep into their closets for the 80s party ... Amanda McIntyre (middle) jams with two readers!    

The costumes reminded me of the colorful characters from the 80s .... 

... Stash from Guns N Roses rocked out with Pink Floyd!

The dancing continued on Saturday at the Cowboy Stampede.

I enjoyed chatting with everyone about books!   I am giving away a swag bag from RAW to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What's your favorite song from the 80s?   

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 28, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 29.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

RomVet Valerie (left) and RomVet Tamara (right)

Aloha to Lily Dalton and NEVER DESIRE A DUKE

Debut author Lily Dalton wrote in her bio (link),

Lily, since her earliest days, has found a friend in books. Raised an Army brat, her family moved often, and books were constant companions who always smoothed the transition to a new location and a new set of friends.

You know how much I lurv hosting romance authors with military connections!  Lily joins me for a cozy chat ...

Kim:  I'd love to know more about your life as an Army brat - do you have a special memory? 

Lily:  There are so many! Growing up I found comfort in falling asleep to the distant sound of artillery from the practice range, and waking up to the sound of soldiers running cadence. I still get a big thrill when a Chinook or an Apache helicopter flies overhead. If I had to pick my favorite memory, it was New Year’s 1983, when I was in the ninth grade. I lived on Fort Clayton, Panama, but had gone to visit my best friend on adjacent Albrook Air Force Base. It was midnight, and we went to sit on a hillside overlooking Panama City to watch the fireworks go off all over the city. It was a spectacular view, and no one else was there. That’s because in order to get that view, we’d…er…kind of snuck into the base General’s back yard. But there wasn’t a fence, and it didn’t look like anyone was home, and we were way down at the furthest edge of the terrace…We sat watching the fireworks for about fifteen minutes before we realized there was an MP (military police officer) standing with a German shepherd on a leash not five feet behind us. He never said anything, and neither did we. We watched for another ten minutes or so and left. I’ll always remember that night because a nice MP and his guard dog let two teenage girls sit and watch the fireworks, in a place where they really weren’t supposed to be. I loved being an Army brat, and even married another one! 

Albrook AFB was home to the 6th AF prior to WWII.
Public Domain (link)

Kim:  Tell us about Texas - what is your favorite sight, smell, and sound?

Lily:  My favorite sight: In spring, you can see huge, rolling fields of bluebonnet wildflowers. They are best around Burnet and Marble Falls. People drive out in droves to take pictures in them, but you have to be careful not to sit on a rattlesnake! (Really!)

My favorite smell: Barbeque!

My favorite sound: cicadas at night. George Strait singing to 80,000 fans at Reliant Stadium. The 12th Man. Mariachis! (oops! I couldn’t stop with just one!) 

Mariachi Campanas de America visit the White House
on May 5, 2008
Public Domain (link)

Kim:  Who or what helped you along your path to publishing? 

Lily:  All the friends I’ve made through Romance Writers of America, the West Houston RWA and Northwest Houston RWA chapters in particular. They really are the most supportive and inspiring group of people and RWA as an organization is tops at keeping us educated on all aspects of writing and publishing.

Kim:  NEVER DESIRE A DUKE is a Regency romance with a holiday cover. Can you share something unique about celebrating Christmas during the Regency Era?

Lily:  In Regency times, Christmas was a low key affair compared with how we tend to celebrate the holiday now, and mostly involved a day spent with the family enjoying a nicer-than-usual-meal, and doing some sort of charity for those less fortunate. Christmas trees weren’t a custom for most, but many would hang greenery above the mantle or around the chandelier. In London, greenery—to include mistletoe--would be brought in from the country to sell on the street corners. There’s a very sweet old grandfatherly fellow in NEVER DESIRE A DUKE, Sir Keyes, who carries around a sprig of mistletoe and uses it to get kisses from the young ladies. But he’s only got so many berries on the sprig, and every time he claims a kiss he has to pluck a berry off that sprig and discard it. When there’s no more berries—there can be no more kisses claimed! Sorry, gentlemen, but those were the rules of mistletoe during Regency era Christmases! 

Public Domain (link)

Kim:  What inspired NEVER DESIRE A DUKE?

Lily:  I wrote the proposal for this book when I was having a very un-Christmassy Christmas. We were in the middle of a move from one house to another, so we didn’t decorate that year. We didn’t even have a tree. It was also unseasonably warm outside, at nearly 90 degrees. This book was my escape into an unabashedly romantic Christmas, with all the fantasy trimmings: piles of snow, gingerbread and a couple who desperately needs a Christmas miracle.

Kim:  What's next for Lily Dalton?

Lily:  The theme of my series is “One Scandalous Season” and the books tell the stories of the three Bevington sisters. In DUKE, Sophia’s scandalous season takes place at Christmas on a snowbound country estate. NEVER ENTICE AN EARL, however, opens at the height of the London Season--but not in a ballroom, as it should. Instead, in a valiant effort to save a friend, debutante Daphne Bevington masquerades on the stage of a scandalous bawdy-house. As a consequence, she finds her life--and her heart--tangled up with that of a mysterious earl, bent on revenge against someone who may or may not be very close to her. It’s been a really fun book to write, and I hope readers enjoy Daphne and Cormack’s story.

Mahalo, Lily, for joining us today!  NEVER DESIRE A DUKE is next on my TBR stack ... 

A MARRIAGE BEYOND HOPE
The Duchess Sophia has long been estranged from her husband, His Grace, Vane Barwick, the Duke of Claxton, whose rumored list of amorous conquests includes almost every beautiful woman of the ton. Yet a shocking encounter with him in a crowded ballroom—and a single touch—are all it takes to reawaken her furious passion for him. But how can she trust the man who crushed her dreams and took away the one thing she wanted most?

A LOVE BEYOND REASON

Claxton has never forgiven himself for the youthful mistake that ruined his marriage to Sophia. Now, after nearly a year abroad, the reformed rogue vows to win back the only woman he’s ever truly loved. He’ll do whatever it takes to prove he can be the honorable husband she deserves—and the passionate lover she desires. As the snowdrifts deepen outside their ancestral home, can they rekindle the flame that burned so bright and find a new path to forever?

Publishers Weekly Starred Review: “Dalton’s Regency debut resonates with genuine feeling. [...] Unlike some onenote tortured heroes, Vane is sincere and appealing. Sophia’s pain is very real, and every interaction is fraught with honest emotion. As they struggle to recapture their romance, readers will feel deep sympathy with both characters and hope for them to find happiness.”

One Scandalous Season, Book 1
Grand Central Publishing/Forever (September 24, 2013)
ISBN-13: 9781455524013 ♦ ISBN-10: 1455524018

Read an Excerpt

ORDER PRINT: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | B-A-M
Book Depository | Chapters | IndieBound

ORDER EBOOK: Kindle | Nook

I am giving away an English Holiday Treat to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about holiday traditions - do you have a special one for your family?  It can be any holiday - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, etc.

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 28, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on  Sunday, September 29.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Lily, her books, and contact info, check out her website at lilydalton.com.

Coming Spring 2014

Kathryn Falk Recommends (part 2): Lynsay Sands, The Argeneau 10th Anniversary Blog Tour, and ONE LUCKY VAMPIRE

Five years ago, I became a volunteer with SOS America Inc. - a military charity sponsored by Kathryn Falk, founder of RT Booklovers Magazine.   She invited me to her beautiful home in Brooklyn Heights where I noticed she had several copies of Lynsay Sands' SINGLE WHITE VAMPIRE, Book Three in her Argeneau Series:

A romance you can sink your teeth into.

SWM - "Lucern." Successful biographer of family, books recently categorized as "paranormal romance." Something of a recluse. Hates crowds, aggressive women. Doesn't like sunbathing, garlicky dinners or religious symbols. Likes old-fashioned values; spicy Mexican dishes; warm, nice-smelling neck; and plump red lips. Stronger than ten men and can vanish in the blink of an eye. Currently unaware he's seeking a woman to share eternity.

SWF - "Kate C. Leever." Newest editor of Romance at Roundhouse Publishing. Perky, fun. Has recently discovered a legacy author just dying to be broken out. In fact, her career could take off from it. (The tall, dark, handsome writer just needs to be taken to several romance conventions and introduced to his fans . . . and stopped from acting so strange in public.) Dislikes "difficult, rude, obnoxious, pig-headed writers." Currently she's met the man of her wildest dreams.

OH, DEAR.

Kathryn gave me a copy and said, "I'm in the book!".   Kate, the editor, takes her author, Lucern, to the RT Booklovers' Convention, where they meet Kathryn.  This is a hilarious romp through Romanceland that yields an eternal love.   Five years later, Lynsay is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Argeneau Series. Avon is hosting a fabulous blog tour to usher in the newest Argeneau novel, ONE LUCKY VAMPIRE:

Yes, Nicole Phillips has miraculously survived what appear to be three separate death threats from her ex-husband-to-be. But no, she does not need protection. At least that’s what she keeps telling everyone. But when her new housekeeper arrives complete with a sexy build and a no-nonsense attitude, she can’t help but feel a little safer. That is, until the passion between them heats up and she knows she’s really in trouble.

Jake Carlson never wanted to be immortal, or a vampire, in the first place. Turned during an emergency by Vincent Argeneau, he’s been living his new life away from the clan as a bodyguard for hire. That is, until Marguerite Argeneau reappears with a new job opportunity: undercover protection for a family friend…as a housekeeper. But when he discovers his beautiful new client is tougher than he first thought, Jake thinks he might be the one in need of protection. Just not the physical kind.

With two weeks until her divorce proceedings are final, Jake must do everything in his power to keep Nicole safe and happy… he just hopes he can keep ahold of his heart in the process!

Buy Link

About the Author:

LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus.

Visit her official website at lynsaysands.net, including an excerpt for ONE LUCKY VAMPIRE at this link.

Avon is sponsoring a fabulous giveaway .... 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kathyrn Falk Recommends (part 1): SALINGER and THE STORY OF FILM: AN ODYSSEY

Kathryn (left) at RT/Chicago 2012

I spent the weekend at Lora Leigh's RAW in Hagerstown (link). It gave me the opportunity to chat with romance readers (who happen to be military veterans) to brainstorm ideas for the SOS America Military Mixer at the RT Booklovers Convention, May 14-18, 2014, in New Orleans (link).   I called Kathryn Falk, founder of RT Book Reviews and SOS America Inc., to coordinate our ideas.   We not only chatted about RT next year ... but what's happening now on TV and movie theaters.     I'll quote from her Facebook posts:

SALINGER:

RUN don't walk to see the new film SALINGER. 

This documentary of the life of J.D. (Jerry to his friends) is a writer's movie -- what influenced him to write "Catcher on the Rye," the demons he drove away ( WW II and the loss of Oona O'Neill to Charlie Chaplin), his need for innocence, his writing bunker where he'd live with his characters for days on end -- will haunt you. And, you will love this biographical film even if the subject never speaks.
The stories about his adversity to publicity are surely unique.

Of course, we're curious about Salinger, as one reviewer gave out as a reason to see the film. But the so-so reviews across the board should not discourage the public. The critics misjudged its power.

The film revealed that new works by J.D. will begin to be released between 2015 and 2020. They are expected to shake up the literary world.

THE STORY OF FILM:  AN ODYSSEY

If you love films, TED TURNER /TCF -- every Monday night -- is presenting "The Story of Film: An Odyssey." Chapters 1 and 2 have aired (covering film history up to early 20s and silent films) - but the series continues until October. These documentaries are the equivalent of a college course on every aspect of film-making. You will learn about the directors, stars, writers and the creative people behind the camera.

The contribution of women writers is finally recognized and their disappearance for the most part, after the 40s, is explained (men needed jobs!). Rare coverage and the contribution and influence of early foreign films is also included in Part 1. 

Camera movements, lighting, and many tricks and innovation of this creative trade will furnish viewers with a new regard for the art of film-making. 

TCM is showing some of the films discussed each Monday night, illustrating all the information gleaned from this detailed presentation. The series is more academic that the Tycoon Film History series that aired a few years ago. For a Masters Degree in Film -- tune in every Monday

Mahalo, Kathryn, for your insightful recommendations!   Have you read CATCHER IN THE RYE?  Are you a film buff?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my conventions stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, September 28, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 29.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City